How to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Holidays

‘Tis the season for friends, family, and being jolly. The team at Stetson Hills Animal Hospital in Glendale, AZ, wants to keep this season jolly for you and your four-legged friends with the following holiday pet safety tips. We hope you and your family (pets included!) have a wonderful holiday and happy new year!

Christmas Decorations

Pets are curious by nature—especially cats—so tinsel and ribbon are known to draw the attention of many pets during the holidays. If your pet were to eat either of these stringy decorations, it can result in intestinal blockage, which can often be corrected only with surgery. Other potentially dangerous decorations include certain kinds of mistletoe, real Christmas trees (pine needles), and Christmas lights. So keep these decorations out of your pet’s reach and high on your tree, or consider some safer alternatives instead.

Holiday Parties

Are you throwing a holiday party at your home this year? If so, don’t forget to consider your pet’s safety as you’re busy making your plans. If you decide to leave your pet out to enjoy the fun, make sure your guests are aware of your house rules, such as whether or not you allow your pet to eat table food. If any of your guests are young children, or your pet gets uneasy around large groups of people, it might be best to leave your pet in a separate room. Leave a TV or radio on to create a distraction from the noise of the festivities, and reward your pet with a treat every so often throughout the day to keep them busy.

Toxic Table Food

Your pet is part of the family, and just like the rest of your family, they probably want to partake in your holiday meals, too. Although some table food is safe and healthy for dogs and cats, there are others that are actually toxic to them. On the “toxic” list are foods that contain chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, macadamia nuts, and the sugar substitute xylitol. If ingested, these foods can result in vomiting, diarrhea, or worse.

If you have any questions about these pet holiday tips for your dog or cat, or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 623-644-7876, and a Stetson Hills Animal Hospital team member will be happy to assist you. We’ll see you in 2016! Happy New Year!

When I moved to Arizona twelve years ago I chose Dr. Cohen and his amazing staff as the medical professionals I trust with my furbabies. I have always gotten the best care for all of my animals. Thank you for the loving, compassionate care you and your staff have provided over the years.

- Laura M.

Love Dr. Cohen and will always come to Stetson Hills!

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I've been taking my dog here since he was a puppy. 4 years later he and I still love going to your office. We drive from New River just to get you phenomenal service and well-appreciated knowledge.

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You were all excellent from the front desk to the vet assistant to Dr. Cohen. Thanks!

- Carey C.

Dr. Cohen and his staff are just so caring and on point with your pet’s needs!

- Nancy R.

We always have a great experience coming to your office with both of our dogs. your staff is always so nice and easy to talk with. They make it easy for our family to be returning customers year after year.

- Kim A.

Everything was great. The staff radiates kindness and were more than helpful.

- Kristin E.

Everyone we encounter on staff is friendly and professional. The vet techs seem extremely knowledgeable. We had to bring our adopted family member back for some dental work the following week, and I was impressed by Dr. Cohen's detailed review of my dog's dental x-rays and explanation of the procedure. He provided clear post-procedural instructions, as well as follow up calls to check on our dog's recovery. I would highly recommend Stetson Hills Animal Hospital.

- Anonymous

Your team is the greatest. You always treat "our" Sophie as if she were "your" Sophie. She feels very comfortable with Dr. Cohen.

- Marilyn S.

Watson had been a patient of Dr. Cohen and staff for more than 7 years and have never had a less than an amazing experience with them. They are very attentive, caring, and quick to respond to calls and emails and always allow as much time as you need. Watson has had many visits and procedures but still loves going to the clinic, thanks for always being there!

- Gloria M.

I always trust Dr. Cohen and Dr. Dawson, plus their staff, to give Rocky the very best of care!

- Cathleen P.

We are long time clients at Stetson Hills Animal Hospital and have experienced only A-1 first class service, care and concern for our dogs.

- Marilyn S.

The staff and Dr. Dawson are a wonderful team and it's always a great experience.

- Sandra S.

I appreciate the wonderful care my kitties receive at your clinic

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We love Dr. Cohen and the whole staff. They re very kind and gentle with a nervous Mooch. I wouldn't take her anywhere else.

- Pat J.

Dr. Cohen and staff are always very accommodating and attentive, especially in an emergency situation. I don't know how they do it, but there is always a high standard of care.

- Juliet F.

Very courteous staff and the vet was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Best experience I've had with a vet clinic. Vet tech blew me away... she treated my dog like it a family member and not just an "animal". Thank you! Looking forward to my dogs teeth cleaning!